5 replies to this topic

[Face Value]

Hello to one and all!

I started taking Vitex 2 few weeks ago as I have a sneaky suspicion that my acne is related to hormone imbalance.

Taking birth control pills has never interested me in the slightest, I know it suits and works well for some women but I just.... don't like it.

My mother is a qualified Medical Herbalist and she issued me the Vitex to take every morning after breakfast. I'm also taking Evening Primrose oil, Cod Liver oil and Multivitamins. I know it's too early to judge the results after only 2 weeks, and there may be other factors contributing to the condition of my skin at the moment (stress/BP/monthly cycle/diet etc) .... but... I've definitely noticed an improvement.


I'd like to ask if anyone else out there has taken, or is thinking of taking Vitex?

Thanks!

P.S Here a fact sheet on this herb http://www.planetbot...chasteberry.htm

[Jewel1970Ma]

Good morning,

I have been taking Vitex for about 2 months now--- I started taking too help my hormonal imbalance to help with my acne- but
I haven't really seen any improvement-- It has helped with my PMS & cramps-- but not my acne-- I am glad its helping you!
that is great! Hope it keeps up for you !

Good luck!
-Julie

[Face Value]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for your reply. I'm glad Vitex has at least helped your other PMS symptoms. This is exactly what Vitex is designed to do. Its the 'woman's herb', and quite rightly.

What's interesting is that I'm experiencing breast pain at the moment. I am mid cycle, and I calculated that I was ovulating around the 18th. I've never had tender breasts mid cycle before. Could be the Vitex!

My acne is worse now at 28 than ever before in my life. I know my body is changing, as are my hormones. And I really hope Vitex can help me. If not.... its back to the drawing board, as they say.

You say you've been on Vitex for 2 months, how severe and what kind is your acne? What treatment routine do you follow? Any supplements or special diet? Genetic history of acne?

You should continue with your course up to 8 months even, the full impact of effects will be felt by that point.

[FaceValues]

Boosting your progesterone, eh ladies?

That's a good route, I looked into that for awhile. The thing is I don't have a health care provider (other than myself and good ol' books/internet), so was never able to determine if I have PCOS or what my hormone levels were.

Diet changes come highly recommended by moi. Look into buckwheat as well.

[Face Value]

Hey corgisoulpower,


Yes, I feel its a good route. I'm through with BP! Tea tree oil, lemon, ginger and garlic are now my topicals of choice, and oh my, do they all smell and feel a TRILLION times better.


I'm not sure how severe your acne is, or if you suffer from any other low progesterone symptoms but you could always try Vitex and see how it goes?



Nice to meet you

Edited by Face Value, 25 March 2012 - 11:06 AM.

[euroviv]

Hi I wanted to add my support for vitex! I've been using vitex for the last six months and it has worked well for me. At first I was very skeptical. I'm NOT someone who takes all kinds of vitamins at all but a friend of mine suggested this since it worked for her. According to my doctors I could either go on Diane BC or accutane. Both of those were options I desperately did not want to try so I gave Vitex a go. I've been taking one pill a day regularly (except for July when I went on vacation, and moved cities). So in short, I like it, it works and I recommend it as worth trying. I'm going to go into detail about it below just for the benefit of whoever wants more info

My kind of acne: My hormones have been tested and found to be only slightly out of whack according to my doc. He was ready with a birth control rx but I was not! My acne was severe a year ago and with the help of medical topicals and cleansers I was able to get it in check (not cleared). Even after my acne was in check I still had a bad breakout before my period every month (papules, pustules, inflamation, redness, etc). It would take forever to 'recover' from the breakout. Then right when my skin recovered from that breakout the process started all over again. Sound familiar?

Vitex is not the kind of thing that works really fast. I'd say into the 2nd month I noticed a change. The change was that my monthly breakout was not so severe. Instead of several pimples I might get one or two of the non-inflamed variety. These healed and went away instead of staying and inviting friends. Since then I've had months when I didn't break out at all. Like I said, my acne was not severe when I started using vitex but if yours is I would use vitex in conjunction with whatever topical your doctor might suggest. It is not a magic pill so don't expect miracles but it does what I need it to do which is help reduce or eliminate my hormonal breakouts. For my part I am thankful to have found an alternative to BC or accutane.

p.s. Vitex got me interested in other natural skincare options. Check my profile blog to read about what I've tried and see pictures.

All the best,
Viv